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Fruit Trees

Grow a fruit tree in your house? Of course you can! Indoor fruit trees are hardy, easy to take care of and even the beginner can be a successful grower. With sunshine, the proper amount of water and care you can expect to see annual produce of several pounds. The portability of having the trees in containers makes taking the tree from outdoors to indoors easy. These trees are developed for the inside, small and not usually over ten feet tall.

Citrus trees grow well inside. Dwarf varieties of lemon is a popular choice of many indoor fruit growers. Other fruits that one can grow inside include key lime, oranges, kumquats, avocado, blueberry, blackberry, papaya, fig and more varieties. Dwarf fruit trees can be shipped anytime of the year no matter what your climate They usually come in a five gallon planting container. Growers will generally include growing and care instructions specific to the tree, along with how-to tips.

Any container you can buy at a gardening supply store can be used for the trees. Select the right size with holes for excess water to drain. The bottom can be lined with wire mesh to keep the soil from washing out. A one or two inch layer of gravel will help drainage.

Any commercial potting soil will do as long as it is loose enough for satisfactory, but not excessive draining. Fill the container part way with soil, place the plant in the new container and fill the pot with soil to the cover the tree to the same point as its original container. Marking the tree at the soil of the old pot before removing it will make it easier. The surface of the soil should be at least 1-4 inches below the rim to allow for watering. Firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly. Do not fertilize until you see new growth.

Fruit trees grow best in full sunshine, but some can tolerate partial shade. It is important not to shock the tree by rapid light or temperature changes. Tropical trees are especially vulnerable and must be protected from the cold. They should be brought inside when it gets cold at night. Another option is to cover them with blankets or anything to keep out the cold. Be sure to uncover the tree in the morning so it can benefit from the sun.

Watering should be done to a minimum. The soil should be on the dry side of damp and watered when it feels dry. How much you water will depend on the variety, size of container, climate, potting soil and other considerations. Over watering must be avoided.

Fertilizer should include even amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with only traces of other minerals. Check the packaging to be sure the quantities are sufficient. Don’t over fertilize. Your plant’s leaves should be dark green in color with the right amount of fertilizer.

Fruit trees will keep their shape without much need for pruning. A problem where the top will grow to the point of compromising the root system. Leaf loss and twig dying can be a problem. In this case pruning heavily is your best option. Doing so will mean less water and fertilizer should be used.

With time and care most trees will produce fruit, but don’t except large amounts. Some trees rely on their size to fruit. Pollinating, if necessary, can be done by hand, cultivators or insects such as bees. Most citrus trees will be self-pollinating.